EANS-News: Air Berlin PLCAir Berlin achieves EBIT of EUR 17.6 million in the
second quarter (correction of consolidated turnover)

25.08.2009 – 08:56

Strengthening of liquidity has a positive effect on the balance sheet

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6-month report/Q2 results

London/Berlin (euro adhoc) - In the second quarter of 2009, the
consolidated revenue of Air Berlin PLC decreased by 3.8 percent to
EUR 836.2 million due to planned capacity reductions, as compared to
EUR 868.9 million in the second quarter of the previous year. EBITDAR
reached EUR 134.9 million (Q2/2008: EUR 131.6 million). EBIT
increased by 33 percent to EUR 17.6 million (Q2/2008: EUR 13.2
million). Net profit for the second quarter of 2009 reached EUR 7.1
million (Q2/2008: EUR 7.8 million). In the second quarter of 2009,
the number of passengers transported decreased by 5.5 percent in
comparison with the previous year, reaching 7.245 million. This
decrease is lower than the average decrease recorded in the European
airline sector.

Over the first six months of 2009, Air Berlin transported 5.8 percent
fewer passengers than in the corresponding period of the previous
year. The number of passengers welcomed on board decreased from 13.5
to 12.7 million. Although, due to the decrease in demand, capacity
adjustments were effected, in particular to flights within Europe and
to intercontinental flights, Air Berlin was able to further improve
its relative market position in Europe. Available seat kilometers
(ASK) decreased by 10.5 percent, from 26.9 to 24.1 billion. Revenue
per passenger kilometer increased by 13.4 percent, i.e. from 7.33 to
8.31 Eurocents. Capacity utilization of the 128-plane fleet decreased
from 77.1 to 74.8 percent, i.e. a decrease of 2.3 percentage points.
Consolidated turnover decreased, namely from EUR 1.522 to EUR 1.497
billion.

For the 1st half-year of 2009, Air Berlin, together with its
subsidiaries LTU and Belair, generated EUR 162.0 million in EBITDAR
(Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and
leasing expenses) (1st half-year of 2008: EUR 171.9 million). The
typical seasonal loss resulted in EBIT (Earnings before interest and
taxes) of EUR 69.7 million (1st half-year of 2008: EUR 55.4 million).
Due to worsened financial performance, net interim figures decreased
from EUR -51.8 to EUR -81.4 million.

The placement of a new EUR 125 million convertible bond on 20 August
2009 enabled the repurchase of existing bonds with a nominal value of
EUR 90 million for approximately EUR 55 million. The remaining
proceeds of EUR 70 million will be used to refinance future airplane
deliveries and to improve liquidity. The repurchase of the existing
bonds will result in an approximately EUR 25 million improvement in
the financial results for the third quarter of 2009. Due to this
transaction, net indebtedness will decrease to EUR 582 million (1st
half-year of 2009: EUR 638 million).

As Joachim Hunold, CEO of Air Berlin, stated in Berlin on Tuesday:
"Despite a challenging market environment, Air Berlin has succeeded
in improving its relative position with respect to flights within
Europe. Using different capital measures, Air Berlin has succeeded in
improving its equity and liquidity, thus significantly lowering net
indebtedness. We are pleased with the results for the first half-year
of 2009."